The parents of a poorly Derbyshire toddler with a rare genetic brain condition have launched a fund-raising campaign to buy specialist equipment to help him cope with a range of incredibly severe disabilities.

Two-year-old Hugo Mellors, from Draycott, was diagnosed at the age of one. He struggles to walk, talk, crawl or eat, due to the gravity of the disorder.

Lauren Draper, Hugo's mother, is hoping to raise £4,000 for a specialist walking device and a chair, which will help him during meal times in a bid to improve his quality of life and help his development as he gets older.

The 24-year-old said: "As a mother you never expect anything like this to happen, so when it does it really throws you.

"Every day is hard, we have to battle against it all the time, but we will get there and it is all about helping Hugo as much as we can.

Lauren Draper, 24, is hoping to raise money for her son Hugo. (Image: Lauren Draper)

"My amazing partner, Brad, and my family have stood by my side all the way and we have had so many messages of support and kindness which prove that there are good people in this world.

"Hugo is such a lovely little boy, he is a dream. He is always smiling and happy, he is tough, nothing ever gets him down and we all love him very much.

"We have no equipment for him at home and we want to do everything we can to ensure that he can keep getting stronger and it would mean the world to us if we could raise this money and ensure he gets the help he needs."